On behalf of the seven organizations represented by the Inter-Association Working Group on Government Information Policy (IAWG), I would like to extend our most sincere congratulations to you on being awarded Honorary Membership by the American Library Association at the ALA Annual Conference on June 27, 1998.

We appreciate the commitment and passion for citizens' rights to government information that you have demonstrated throughout your distinguished career. The resolution read by ALA President Barbara Ford clearly articulated your noteworthy accomplishments in making government more accountable and government information more accessible to the public. The Federal Depository Library community, indeed all Americans, have benefited from your dedication to democratic ideals and your ability to find effective solutions to complex problems.

We are especially grateful for your continuing commitment to revise Title 44 of the U.S. Code to improve the Federal Depository Library Program and enhance public access to government publications. The stirring "call to arms" in your remarks Saturday night invigorated the audience. We in the library community sincerely appreciate the open and cooperative relationship we have enjoyed in the development of the legislation to reform Title 44 to which you referred. The IAWG eagerly looks forward to the introduction of the "Government Publications Reform Act of 1998," and to continuing to work with you and your staff to perfect and enact this important legislation to improve public access to government publications in the 21st century.

Congratulations, Senator Ford! This award is very much deserved. We applaud the honor given you by the American Library Association in recognizing your life-long commitment to libraries and public access to government information.